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Brantley departs early with left forearm injury

PHOENIX -- Indians left fielder Michael Brantley took a chance and paid a painful price.

In the third inning of Monday's 14-10 win over the A's, Brantley doubled to left field, slowed down as he rounded second base and noticed there was no one covering third. Brantley hustled and slid headfirst into the bag, but he suffered a laceration on his left forearm after being accidentally spiked on the play by third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Brantley exited the game and received stitches at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix before returning to the Indians' spring complex in Goodyear, Ariz.

Brantley is considered day to day with the injury, and Francona indicated that the team would have more information on Tuesday.

After the acquisition of center fielder Michael Bourn, the Indians shifted the 25-year-old Brantley out of center and into left field. Last season, Brantley enjoyed a breakout campaign, hitting .288 with a .348 on-base percentage, six homers, 37 doubles, 60 RBIs and 63 runs scored in 149 games for Cleveland.

Brantley has been off to a torrid start this spring, too. Including Monday's performance, Brantley has gone 5-for-6 at the plate with four doubles and two RBIs in three Cactus League games.